Emotions are the paints to life’s blank canvas, in my opinion. When you discover a new one, you’ve discovered a new color. Similarly to paints, there is a basic emotional palette, and then endless variations and combinations. In the art of contemplative psychotherapy, we practice meeting each emotional experience with present awareness and compassionate witnessing, […]
Supporting a partner who has experienced sexual trauma can be both a deeply compassionate and challenging journey. You may feel a strong desire to help them heal, yet find yourself unsure of the best way to provide comfort and understanding. The truth is, navigating this path requires patience, empathy, emotional attunement, and a willingness to […]
Healing Deep Wounds with Faith and Evidence-Based Care What Is Complex Trauma? Complex trauma—often referred to in clinical settings as Complex PTSD—develops from prolonged or repeated exposure to emotionally painful or unsafe experiences, often in early life. Unlike single-incident trauma, complex trauma is relational. It can stem from neglect, chronic stress, abandonment, or unstable caregiving. […]
Have you ever wondered why you feel exhausted no matter how much sleep you get? Maybe you keep hoping the next weekend, vacation, or break will finally help you catch up — only to end up feeling behind all over again.No matter what, you never seem to be able to stick to routines and habits. […]
I recently read a newly published book by Galit Atlas called Emotional Inheritance. Galit writes about the trauma that is unprocessed by the generations that precede us (our parents, grandparents, great grandparents), and how that trauma manifests in our lives. She calls it “the legacy of trauma,” something we inherit. It is also called the […]
I have shared a bit before about what psychoanalytic psychotherapy is like. That therapy is a conversation between you and the therapist where you are free (encouraged even) to talk about what is top of mind, what has occurred in the past week, what happened in your past. Through the conversation together, we identify […]
What happens when we don’t respect our capacity? When we push past our limits? When we allow ourselves – or even welcome – depletion, like it’s a normal part of life? I once believed the myth that depletion was a part of living and that self-care would fill me back up. Empaths have a […]
Summer is just around the corner. The kids will be home all the time, snacks will be vanishing like magic tricks, and you can already hear “Mom!” echoed every 3.2 seconds…but who’s counting?! If you’re feeling like you’re two meltdowns away from a full-on momplosion—well, just know you’re not alone. While you’re playing free Summer-Uber, […]
I saw her before I even sat down. One mom, three bags and two towels slung over one shoulder, a snack container clutched between her teeth, and a beach umbrella dragging like a limp noodle behind her. She had that determined shuffle all moms perfect—half power-walk, half don’t-drop-the-baby jog. Her face was flushed, her tank […]
Accountability in Relationships Is Hard Saying “I’m sorry” is really hard.Not getting defensive when someone points out how you hurt them? Also really fucking hard. Because it’s not just about the moment: it hits something deeper. It pokes at your identity. Your intentions. The version of yourself you believe you are. And when those don’t […]
